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Saturday, April 30, 2011

Regina Pats GM Brent Parker tearfully announced this afternoon that defenceman Myles Bell was seriously injured in an auto accident last night just outside of Calgary. That accident also claimed the life of a young Regina girl. The extent of Bell's injuries are not known at this time, but Parker did say that its his thought Bell will be OK although his immediate hockey future is obviously up in the air.

Update: Here is the statement from the Pats on what has happened.

Regina Pats President/Governor, Brent Parker, “The purpose of calling you all here today is to inform you of a serious car accident involving a member of the Regina Pats….Myles Bell.

The accident took place early this morning in Calgary and I regret that not only has this accident left Myles in the hospital but has resulted in the death of a young lady from Regina.

At this point in time we do not know enough details to comment about the circumstances surrounding the accident and we will wait for the authorities to give us this information before we comment.

This is an incredibly difficult situation for me and our family as we are close with the young lady who died, as she was a close friend of our daughter. She was a beautiful young lady and she will be missed!

Chad and Russ are in Calgary and at the hospital with Myles and his family but we do not have a status report on the extent of Myles’ injuries at this time.

We ask that both families be shown some courtesy at this difficult time and that all media inquiries be directed through Chad or myself. We will update you again later today on Myles’ situation. The tragedy here is the loss of life and we will not lose sight of this but we will support Myles as a member of our organization as he deals with this situation.”

The end of April is upon us, but the winter of 11 won't leave. It's damn chilly in the YQR this morning and methinks all things outdoors won't be happening. In fact, to the east of us you would think its the middle of January as about 10-20 centimetres of snow are expected to fall and a blizzard warning is out. Word is the number one highway just the other side of Indian Head has been closed. I truly can't think of a winter that has been worse than what we have experienced, but I'm sure there has been,
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I'm guessing that if I had any communication with CJME sports show co-host Drew Remenda that he might not even know who Ben Ferreiro is. Did you know who he was until last night? I'm guessing no one had him in the pool as he scored in overtime to give San Jose a 2-1 win over Detroit in Game 1 of their series. I didn't see all of the game, but it looked like the Sharks were all over the Wings for the last period and a bit. I joked on Twitter saying is Ferreiro Ray's son, is it a new pasta dish at Boston Pizza as to which Craig Stein at GX94 in Yorkton (voice of the Millionaires and Terriers) responded its a chocolate that is popular at Christmas. I didn't see any of the other game between the Lightning and Capitals, but the score didn't surprise me. I knew when Steve Yzerman took over Tampa that they would be very good---I didn't think it would be this soon though. Speaking of which, what do you think the story line will be if the Stanley Cup final is Tampa vs Detroit. I would imagine that even Stevie Y would be somewhat conflicted.
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I had no interest in the Royal Wedding---none whatsoever. Mrs. Scruffy did not feel the same way as me. She taped the damn thing and watched it when she got home from work. While wandering upstairs from time to time, I could only look at the TV and ask "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WOMEN WEARING ON YOUR HEADS!!!". Did you see some of the monstrosities that were worn yesterday. Good god! Then I'm hearing whoever on CTV talking about how regal so and so looks and how lovely so and so looks. Lets be honest here, they look STUPID with those hats on. If Mrs. Scruffy came down the hallway wearing something like that (thankfully she wouldn't), I would start laughing uncontrollably. No one had the guts to say the headwear looked dumb.
Then, I see Global's late night news and Amanda Ferguson does a story from the Hotel Sask about people that went and viewed the wedding and they were all gussied up, wearing ugly hats and enjoying themselves. A) Great for the Hotel Sask to open their doors for people to come watch the wedding, but the wedding is on TV, there was no need to get dressed up!!!! B) These people had gaudy hats too. CMON!!! I guess as a man I just don't understand. I don't want to. Thank god Don Cherry has no desire to wear one of these hats with his sportjackets when doing Coach's Corner. I'm guessing my favourite redhead Sarah Mills stayed up all night to watch the wedding, but I'm guessing she wasn't wearing a stupid hat and that she wasn't all dressed up.
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Consider this NBA fans. the Memphis Grizzlies upset the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs as an 8 seed beat a 1 seed. It means Memphis will now go on to play Oklahoma City. This could have been the Vancouver Grizzlies against the Seattle Supersonics. That would have been huge for basketball in Canada.
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Tonight is a night that the UFC has been looking forward to for some time. UFC 129 goes at Rogers Centre where 55-thousand fans will come in to watch the event and hopefully see Canadian Georges St. Pierre clobber up and comer Jake Shields to retain his belt. The sports networks have been all over this for the last few days---although I wonder if they would if the Leafs or Raptors were in the playoffs. It will be a great night in Toronto and yes, I will gather with all of my neanderthal friends to watch it in the basement of Saskatchewan's so-called sexiest blogger who may get the word "whiniest" as well if he continues on his anti-Denny's crusade. In something that I think was ripped right out of a Seinfeld script, SSB and an entourage went to Denny's to get their "Maple Bacon Sundae" (he may be sexy, but he has no taste and no respect for his gastric organs) only to get there and hear from the waitress they were out of ice cream. He offered to go across the highway to Safeway's to purchase some only to be told thanks, but no thanks. His equilibrium has been off ever since. I have said if someone wants to bring the bacon, I will bring the ice cream tonight and he can make one at home. None of the other neanderthals have taken me up on the offer. You can read all about his debacle at Tyler has nothing to say which is linked to this fine blog.
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After the first two days of the NFL draft, my kitchen window has given me a better draft than that of the Seattle Seahawks. I'm not impressed and either are many others who root for this team as they have been given a C-minus by Seahawks fans on NFL.com. SIGHHHHHH!!!!
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That is all. Have a good weekend!

Friday, April 29, 2011

The NFL draft always piques my interest. I want to see where the big names end up, who makes the big trade, who slides and more importantly, who are the Seahawks going to take.
There is no doubt in my mind that this team needs a quarterback for the future. Matt Hasselbeck is getting up there in age and while his playoff performance last year was excellent, he can't do that for 16 games. Charlie Whitehurst has shown his signing could and may have been a disaster. There are many good QB's out there and when it came to Seattle's time at 25, there were some good ones left. With me anticipating a pick of a new quarterback, the team goes out and takes Alabama offensive lineman James Carpenter. I screamed "Who"????? at the TV. Not one mock draft that I saw had this guy going in the first round. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Junior said the pick was a reach and the NFL network's Mike Mayock was shuffling through notes trying to find positives. ARRGGHHHHHHH!!!!! Its my only hope now that the Seahawks take a chance on a mid-level quarterback today or tomorrow. I'm hearing rumblings of Alabama's Greg McIlroy, but now who knows.
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The NFL screwed it up by having the draft go three days. Draft parties that were held in the various NFL cities on Saturdays are no more and stretching it over three days is a little tedious. Have the first three rounds on Saturday and finish it up Sunday.
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It was also a little boring to watch the draft proceedings knowing no players could be traded because of the labour situation. That apparently will start happening this weekend as will free agency, but its a little too late.
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I was switching between the draft and the Nashville-Vancouver game. Did those two teams know they were playing last night? There was no intensity in that game whatsoever. Nashville looked horrible yet they were only a shot away from tying the hockey game. I'm sure it will pick up.
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I didn't know until reading Rod's blog this morning that Kings coach Terry Murray didn't shake hands with San Jose's Todd McLellan after their first round series wrapped up. The debate about the series ending handshake is a good one. Some feel its stupid, others feel its part of what makes hockey special because you don't see it in the NBA, NFL, CFL or MLB. Yeah, football players run around and see this guy or see that guy and the coaches shake hands, but is it that sincere. How does anyone know that Murray didn't go have a chat and perhaps a lengthy one with McLellan under the stands. That doesn't bother me one bit.
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High Impact Wrestling is tonight. Alas, I won't be there. I'm sure it will be as rowdy as ever. Speaking of wrestling, I have been informed by John Cozman (Principal Richard Pound) that Stampede Wrestling is coming to the Queen City Ex for five days this summer. That's outstanding!!!! Will it be located in the Auditorium????
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Did anyone see the Jays game yesterday? What exactly was Jose Bautista thinking in the 9th and what were the Texas Rangers doing with the baseball. Watching the Rangers throw the ball around was like watching my oldest daughters fastball team with the same results. WOW!!!!
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I think the CFL is making a mistake by not wanting to get in the same boat as UFC. The National Post's Mark Masters has that story right here. Are the two groups not chasing the same demographic. With the UFC"s popularity, I would think this would be a great opportunity for the CFL--especially when former commissioner Tom Wright is involved with UFC. I guess they have their reasons though.
Regina radio will never be the same. Willy Cole signed off for the last time this morning at CKRM. Willy's been entertaining people across this fine province of ours for 33 years and he is a legend. I can't think of a time when I haven't listened to CKRM and not heard Willy in some fashion. When I finally met the man years ago, it was an honour and I always liked rubbing elbows with him at various functions or Rider games. I had always wished I had the opportunity to have worked with Willy which I got the chance to do at the very end. As I have said before, when I did my first Riders broadcast this year, it was a highlight of my broadcasting career and when Willy threw it to me it was surreal. He is a class act and like I said, Regina radio will never ever be the same. I sent Willy an e-mail yesterday telling him I hope he never, ever has to wake up at 330 in the morning again.
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Henry Burris just wants to keep those fires burning with Rider fans. This is what he had to say about Touchdown Atlantic this week and playing in Moncton." It gives you that feeling of playing in Regina — but a level up above Regina because people are more classy.” Yeah. that won't be met with any backlash.
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Did you watch the Royal Wedding? Yeah, me neither.
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My vote for the NHL MVP would be Corey Perry.
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As you get older, three things happen. 1) You forget 2)ummmmmm---I can't remember!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

With four Game 7s in a 30-hour span, the first round of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs went out with a bang, and given the win-or-go-home nature of each of those games, the chances that postseason brackets in office pools across North America would stay intact were tenuous at best. Having an opening round record of 7 correct picks would be pretty impressive. Even getting just 5 series right, as the writer of this very story did, isn't terrible.

Of course, going 8-for-8 isn't bad either.

The wizards at EA SPORTS did just that with their EA SPORTS NHL '11 simulation engine, which accurately tabbed such upsets as Tampa Bay's win over Pittsburgh and Nashville's first-ever postseason series victory. Rather than walk off into the sunset, however, EA SPORTS is back at it for round two of the postseason, and this time those predictions are a little gutsier than usual.

Taking three of four lower seeds to advance to the 2011 conference finals would make another perfect projection a pretty remarkable example of clairvoyance, but that's just what EA SPORTS is banking on, as its latest round of predictions has Vancouver as the lone higher seed advancing. For the Canucks to do so after a draining seven-game win over Chicago could be difficult, but EA SPORTS' simulations expect it -- and in just five games. If all goes according to plan, the Canucks will be facing Detroit, which is predicted to topple San Jose in overtime in a decisive seventh game.

In the East, Tampa Bay is picked to complete what would be the upset of the playoffs thus far, as EA SPORTS has the Bolts eliminating the No. 1-seeded Capitals in seven games, while the Bruins get a measure of revenge for last year's historic ouster at the hands of the Flyers with a six-game win over Philadelphia.

EA SPORTS will continue to run simulations after each round of the playoffs, but in addition fans are invited to make their own predictions in the EA SPORTS NHL 2011 Playoff Bracket Contest at www.facebook.com/EASPORTSNHL. Participating fans can accrue points for correct predictions with the ultimate prize at the end of Stanley Cup Final of two tickets to the 2012 NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa on the line.

Second Round fan voting opens today at http://www.facebook.com/EASPORTSNHL, when fans can make predictions for the postseason's opening round. Start dates for subsequent rounds will be announced at the conclusion of each series.

The University of Regina Rams released their 2011 schedule on Thursday, with the team slated to kick off the Canada West season at home against UBC on Friday, Sept. 2 at Mosaic Stadium.

The home opener against UBC will mark the first time since the 2005 campaign that the Rams have played a team other than Manitoba in the first conference game of the season. The U of R has played UBC in its season opener just one time in its history, opening up against the Thunderbirds back in 2002.

The Rams, who finished 5-3 last season and in third place in the Canada West standings, are expected to return five Canada West all-stars (Chris Bodnar, Adrian Charles, Akiem Hicks, Brenden Owens, and Jamir Walker) to their 2011 roster.

The Rams are also expected to finalize a date for a non-conference affair against Manitoba the weekend before the UBC opener.

The Lightning and Bruins are moving on in the Stanley Cup playoffs as both win Game 7's ending what might have been in my mind the best first round of the SC playoffs that I've ever seen.
The final act was a pair of nail-biters that went right down to the last shot before being decided and now its time for the final 8. The bar has been set high so can the 2nd round matchups provide us with as good a product as what we've enjoyed over the last two weeks. We'll see. For the record, I will take Vancouver, Detroit, Boston and Washington to come out of Rd 2.
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I had the Portland WinterHawks winning the WHL title and while they may get there, they might not even be enough to stop the Kootenay Ice. The team that I thought wouldn't get past Moose Jaw in the first round have hit their stride having advanced to the final with a four game sweep of Medicine Hat. Max Reinhart (is that Paul's kid) scored five times in the Eastern Conference clinching victory which was Kootenay's 11th straight. They obviously will be a very formidable foe to either the Winterhawks or Spokane with Portland leading 2-1 in the series.
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If you heard the Sportscage yesterday, you heard my feelings on the latest in Patsville. Optically, this move makes no sense whatsoever and does nothing to appease a fan base that is dwindling by the day. The decision to remove Shaun Sutter and Ryan Cyr from their positions makes them look like the scapegoat for the season that the team just went through. A decision on whether or not coach Curtis Hunt will be back should have been made at the same time and perhaps the same for scouting director Todd Ripplinger. Both of those men are fine individuals, but they need to know what their immediate future holds. If the decision has already been made, then announce it.
There aren't many positives coming from the lips of Regina hockey fans. Those fans are frustrated enough to the point that they are starting to speak with their wallet.
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An interesting story in the Edmonton Journal about Eskimos quarterback Jared Zabransky. He hasn't been invited to a mini-camp that the team is putting on even though some other QB's behind Zabransky on the depth chart are going. Its made the Boise State product wonder if he has a future in Edmonton. GM Eric Tillman has said that some vets don't need to go to this camp, but he would not say if Zabransky still has a role to play. All I know is if Zabransky is cut loose, he would look great in green and white.
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Why is it you can go to a grocery store and buy wings that are all drummies, but you can't buy flatties. What happens to all the flatties?
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Considering his past I was surprised to see Michael Vick get to the finals of the Madden cover balloting. I was even more surprised to see him lose to Peyton Hillis. Some are already saying he has already been struck by the Madden curse because he plays in Cleveland. HA HA HA HA!!!
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If the CFL ever comes out with a video game ( and here's hoping that's soon), who would you put on the cover? I think I would go with Anthony Calvillo.
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Western Alberta is supposed to see up to 20 cm of snow over the next few days. Lets hope it stays in Alberta.
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Will Winnipeggers be as excited for the NHL's return to their city if its the Thrashers coming instead of the Coyotes. I would think the enthusiasm would be tempered a little bit if it wasn't Winnipeg's old team returning to the city where they were born. If it is Atlanta, would that finally force the NHL to put Detroit in the Eastern Conference.
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If there was any doubt that UFC is not mainstream yet, it will be erased by the time the weekend is over. With UFC making its much anticipated first appearance in Toronto, you will be seeing and hearing a lot of the UFC over the next few days.
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After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says "WTF"!!!!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

ESPN.com users have spoken and the face of Madden NFL 12 will be Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis.

Hillis was announced Wednesday as the winner of the fan vote, under way since March 21, on ESPN2’s “SportsNation.” In all, 13 million votes were cast during the process.

The 10th-seeded Hillis overwhelmingly defeated Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, seeded third, garnering 66 percent of the vote in the final of the 32-player bracket and will be on the cover of this year’s version of the popular NFL video game franchise. This is the first year that fans were allowed to vote for the game’s cover.

After he was named the winner, Hillis said he was "excited" and that he didn't think he had a shot against Vick who he has "always looked up to."

Hillis acknowledged the support he has received from Browns fans and said: "I just want to tell them thanks and I'’m going to play my best for them."

Vick said he was happy for Hillis and was proud of how far he made it in the voting.

"My fans, they stuck in there," Vick said. "I made it this far and that’s a plus for me."

Regina Pats General Manager, Chad Lang announced today that the Pats will not renew the contracts of Assistant Coach Shaun Sutter and Goaltending Coach, Ryan Cyr for the upcoming season. The Pats missed the playoffs this season after finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 23-39-7-3 mark in 2010-11.

"These decisions are always tough to make, with a number of factors to take into consideration, however after a lengthy review process we felt it was time to make a change.” Regina Pats General Manager Chad Lang continues, “I would like to thank Shaun and Ryan for the hard work they have provided the Regina Pats organization during their time with the team and wish the two of them the best in the future.”

My good friends Jamie Nye, Keith Colhoun and Dan O'Connor up in the Battlefords had a pretty good sleep last night thanks to Alex Burrows.

That goal prevented what I think would have been the biggest collapse in the history of professional sport as the Vancouver Canucks finally got rid of the Chicago Blackhawks with a heart-stopping 2-1 win in a Game 7 that won't be forgotten for a long, long time.

Jamie, Keith and many in the Press Box exploded when Burrows scored to send Vancouver into the 2nd round. I'm not sure, but I think there were a few people in there that may have run into the Albert Street traffic had Chicago scored.

While this game will be remembered for Burrows heroics and deservedly so, one has to salute Corey Crawford for the job he did in the Chicago cage. I told my table which also consisted of Global's Derek "Duke" Meyers that this game was going into overtime when Burrows missed his 3rd period penalty shot and I also told them that Chicago would score in the last five minutes because Roberto Luongo would not shut them out and that he would gas one. Correctamundo. Chicago never really had a great scoring chance in the overtime and if they had, they would have won it. I'm sorry Vancouver fans, but that guy is not the guy to take you to the finals and then some. Do I think they beat Nashville in Rd 2? Yup. Will they get past San Jose or Detroit--and I think it will be the Wings. Nope!

And as I watched the hoopla and the celebrations in Vancouver and inside the Press Box, I could only look at Derek, Jamie and Keith and say this. You are getting this excited over a number 1 seed beating a number 8 seed. CMON!!! Then again, every Canuck fan knows this team would have likely been blown up had Chicago scored and their dream is still alive.

--Long-time Vancouver fans, I ask you this. Was Burrows' goal the biggest goal in the history of the franchise. If its not, what is? I would think Pavel Bure's double (or was it triple) overtime goal in Game 7 against Calgary in the 94 playoffs would be right up there.

Just a couple of other thoughts from last nite's SC playoff games.

--I think its only deserving that Boston and Montreal are going seven. Can their Game 7 be anything close to what Vancouver and Chicago gave us. Aa a hockey fan, I hope so.

--I don't think the Milan Lucic on Jaroslav Spacek was that bad. Spacek needs sto take that hit like a man instead of turning away from it. The fact he came back to play means to me that Lucic should not be suspended for tonight's game.

--When the Canucks scored and CBC showed the Vancouver management box, where was Mike Gillis?

--Jim Hughson proved why he's the best in the game with his call last night. Both Hughie and Craig Simpson brought their "A" game to the table last night. Chris Cuthbert is the best in the biz because he is so good at both football and hockey, but Hughson might be just a tad better than Chris at hockey. Then again, Hughie doesn't have to deal with Pierre McGuire on most nights.

--In a Game 7, you gotta like goaltending to get you through. That being the case, I would have taken Ryan Miller against whoever Philly threw out there. Oops!!

--Game 7 winners tonight---Pittsburgh and Boston.
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What has gotten into the Kootenay Ice. They made it 10 straight wins with a victory over Medicine Hat last night. They are one game away from the WHL final. Could the man with the best hockey name going today--"Steele Boomer" be off to the Memorial Cup?

NFL fans shouldn't get too excited over the judges decision to end the lockout. Its a win for the players, but by no means is the story over.

Can teams trade players going into the NFL draft for draft picks or not because of the current labour situation. I don't think they can. That will make the draft a little tedious if you ask me....then again, it is already when you stretch it out over three days.

When are Rider fans going to get it through their head that Andy Fantuz is not coming back and can't come back while the NFL lockout is on. I still have people asking me if he will be here for training camp. At this point, NO!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

For the last week, I have been told when playing my PS3 that I am unable to log into the Playstation network. Today, I found out why. GREAT!!!!

Thank you for your patience while we work to resolve the current outage of PlayStation Network & Qriocity services. We are currently working to send a similar message to the one below via email to all of our registered account holders regarding a compromise of personal information as a result of an illegal intrusion on our systems. These malicious actions have also had an impact on your ability to enjoy the services provided by PlayStation Network and Qriocity including online gaming and online access to music, movies, sports and TV shows. We have a clear path to have PlayStation Network and Qriocity systems back online, and expect to restore some services within a week.

We’re working day and night to ensure it is done as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience and feedback.

Valued PlayStation Network/Qriocity Customer:
We have discovered that between April 17 and April 19, 2011, certain PlayStation Network and Qriocity service user account information was compromised in connection with an illegal and unauthorized intrusion into our network. In response to this intrusion, we have:

1.Temporarily turned off PlayStation Network and Qriocity services;
2.Engaged an outside, recognized security firm to conduct a full and complete investigation into what happened; and
3.Quickly taken steps to enhance security and strengthen our network infrastructure by re-building our system to provide you with greater protection of your personal information.
We greatly appreciate your patience, understanding and goodwill as we do whatever it takes to resolve these issues as quickly and efficiently as practicable.

Although we are still investigating the details of this incident, we believe that an unauthorized person has obtained the following information that you provided: name, address (city, state, zip), country, email address, birthdate, PlayStation Network/Qriocity password and login, and handle/PSN online ID. It is also possible that your profile data, including purchase history and billing address (city, state, zip), and your PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers may have been obtained. If you have authorized a sub-account for your dependent, the same data with respect to your dependent may have been obtained. While there is no evidence at this time that credit card data was taken, we cannot rule out the possibility. If you have provided your credit card data through PlayStation Network or Qriocity, out of an abundance of caution we are advising you that your credit card number (excluding security code) and expiration date may have been obtained.

For your security, we encourage you to be especially aware of email, telephone, and postal mail scams that ask for personal or sensitive information. Sony will not contact you in any way, including by email, asking for your credit card number, social security number or other personally identifiable information. If you are asked for this information, you can be confident Sony is not the entity asking. When the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services are fully restored, we strongly recommend that you log on and change your password. Additionally, if you use your PlayStation Network or Qriocity user name or password for other unrelated services or accounts, we strongly recommend that you change them, as well.

To protect against possible identity theft or other financial loss, we encourage you to remain vigilant, to review your account statements and to monitor your credit reports. We are providing the following information for those who wish to consider it:

U.S. residents are entitled under U.S. law to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call toll-free (877) 322-8228.

We have also provided names and contact information for the three major U.S. credit bureaus below. At no charge, U.S. residents can have these credit bureaus place a “fraud alert” on your file that alerts creditors to take additional steps to verify your identity prior to granting credit in your name. This service can make it more difficult for someone to get credit in your name. Note, however, that because it tells creditors to follow certain procedures to protect you, it also may delay your ability to obtain credit while the agency verifies your identity. As soon as one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the others are notified to place fraud alerts on your file. Should you wish to place a fraud alert, or should you have any questions regarding your credit report, please contact any one of the agencies listed below.

You may wish to visit the web site of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or reach the FTC at 1-877-382-4357 or 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580 for further information about how to protect yourself from identity theft. Your state Attorney General may also have advice on preventing identity theft, and you should report instances of known or suspected identity theft to law enforcement, your State Attorney General, and the FTC. For North Carolina residents, the Attorney General can be contacted at 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001; telephone (877) 566-7226; or www.ncdoj.gov. For Maryland residents, the Attorney General can be contacted at 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202; telephone: (888) 743-0023; or www.oag.state.md.us.

We thank you for your patience as we complete our investigation of this incident, and we regret any inconvenience. Our teams are working around the clock on this, and services will be restored as soon as possible. Sony takes information protection very seriously and will continue to work to ensure that additional measures are taken to protect personally identifiable information. Providing quality and secure entertainment services to our customers is our utmost priority. Please contact us at 1-800-345-7669 should you have any additional questions.

The Swift Current Curling Club is hoping to bring another high profile curling event to Swift Current.

Just over one year after successfully hosting the 2010 Ford World Women’s Curling Championship at the Credit Union iplex, the club announced its intention to bid on the Canadian Curling Pre-Trials “Road to the Roar” event that will take place November 2013.

The event will feature 12 mens and 12 womens teams that have qualified for the pre-trial. The Road to the Roar would narrow down the field to two men’s and two women’s teams that would play in the “Roar of the Rings” Olympic qualifier, which would further narrow the field down to the top mens and womens teams to represent Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

The Road to the Rings would be played inside the hockey arena with 18 draws over five days. Swift Current Curling Club Vice-President and Publicity Director Clayton Wicks said the club has the support of the Swift Current Broncos, who would be forced out of their home facility, although they would not be as adversely affected as when they were without a playoff home in 2010.

Wicks explained why the club chose to bid on this event after choosing not to bid on events such as the 2014 Ford Women’s Worlds, the 2013 Continental Cup, and the 2014 Canada Cup.

“This one’s in November. It suits well with the City. We’ve talked to the City. The City’s always been great. They’re going to support almost anything we do. We’ve had discussions with the Broncos and they’re behind us 100 percent of the way. They’re basically sitting there waiting to see if we need help. They’re willing to partner and the ball’s in the Curling Club’s court as to how we want to proceed with it, but it just works better for everything.”

The Swift Current Curling Club is projecting an economic spin-off of $4 million.

The club is seeking public support for the bid and is asking the public to log on to sccurlingclub.ca to take a survey located on the homepage to assist in their preparations.

The poll gives voters four options. Early voting had 64 percent of voters choosing “I think it is a great idea.” 28 percent of voters selected “I think it is a great idea and will probably volunteer to help.”

Eight percent of the voters selected “I don’t like the idea,” while none of the voters chose the “I think the idea is horrible, why do we have curling anyway” option.

Monday, April 25, 2011

This picture was sent to me by a friend this past weekend. She wanted to know if she should be as upset with this as what she was and what my thoughts on it were.

I gotta be honest with this one. There are many things that adorn the oh so famous /=S=/ in this province, but this is one in which there shouldn't be an association. The ribbons are for causes or to remember our soldiers fighting overseas---its not for franchises or sports teams. I don't think the Riders have anything to do with this although I am sure they would have to agree to the logo being used.

I have no problem with the /=S=/ being on just about everything these days, but you do have to draw a line somewhere. Having a ribbon on your vehicle to support breast cancer or the troops is one thing, but having it to say you like this team or another is another thing. Buy a car flag then!

Its Easter break for my rugrats so that means a little sleep-in time before getting the week started. While it was finally nice outside this weekend, it was hard to tear one away from the TV because of the outstanding hockey we are being treated to and it was capped off with a doozy last nite as Chicago evens its series with the floundering Canucks in a game that even the best scriptwriter couldn't give us.

First off, I give Vsncouver coach Alain Vigneualt a tremendouns amount of credit for having the onions to pull Roberto Luongo from the net and give the start to Cory Schneider. That had to be no easy decision. However, to try and say that Luongo had a bad back didn't fly with anyone. If that was the best Vancouver could come up with to protect the fragile ego of its star goalie, it was weak at best.

The Canucks played much better than they did in Games 5 and 6---at least some of them did (yes I'm talking to you Henrik and Daniel, but the defending champs stayed right with them. Vancouver is forced to go back to Luongo after Schneider suffers some kind of injury on a penalty shot that ties the game and Vancouver then loses it in overtime 4-3.

The cockiness that some Vancouver fans had now is gone. Talk of sweep seems to be so distant and that cocky feeling has been replaced by one of despair. If you are Vigneault, do you go back to Schneider for Game 7 or do you put Luongo in. If you lose Game 7, will it spell the end of Bobby Loo's days in Vancouver? Will the team be blown up even though they finished the regular season as the top team overall? Vancouver is a better team on paper, but the game as you know isn't played on paper. Chicago has all the momentum going into Game 7. I'm thinking Tuesday's game even though it will be a late start will be the top rated game for CBC in these playoffs.

I wonder if the excitement of the NHL playoffs has even rubbed off on some Americans. This is the game the way it should be played in my mind. Yeah, I know efforts like what you've been seeing will be few and far between in December and January, but the same can be said of the NBA. Here's hoping NBC and the NHL really try to create a splash with this new 10 year deal signed last week. If the league can find a way to get Versus or whatever the name of the network will be into more American homes, it will be nothing but good news for hockey.

If the Jets return to Winnipeg, what will that do to the hockey we watch each winter. Sportsnet West will certainly have to split the pie in three so that we see the Oilers, Flames and whatever the Winnipeg team will be called. Will a Sportsnet Jets channel be created? Will Calgary and Edmonton fans get to see as much of their teams as they have in the past?

If Winnipeg does come back, I would think they would move into the Northwest Division with Colorado taking their spot in the Pacific.

I just got a TSN alert on my cell telling me Washington has beaten the Rangers to advance. I'm guessing someone forgot to hit send.

I hope Teemu Selanne never retires. He is such a treat to watch. His son recently took part in a WHL developmental camp. Teemu Junior (Eemil) will likely be playing for a WHL team very, very soon.

There's nothing like turning on that barbecue for the first time and enjoying that first barbecued steak of the season.

Let the hype for GSP-Shields in Toronto begin. You will see a lot of that on your TV as UFC makes its much anticipated arrival into T-O.

What's CBC going to do with election coverage when the SC playoffs are on. For that matter, when the hell did Jack Layton become popular? That's even the case in Quebec which makes me ask if the Bloc is a political factor anymore.

I have only received one piece of campaign literature since the election campaign started. That's a good thing I think. However, I have had several calls at very inopportune times. Do you hate those recorded messages as much as I do?

The La Ronge Ice Wolves fell one game short in their quest to get back to the RBC Cup in Camrose. La Ronge was beaten 4-0 by Portage in Game 7 of the ANAVET Cup final last night. Bob Beatty did a great job with that team as he led the squad to back to back SJHL titles. I don't know if he has the horses to complete the hat-trick---especially with Humboldt hosting the RBC next year, but he will try. I have heard Beatty's name come up in some WHL discussion. I imagine the transition isn't an easy one from Jr A to major junior but Bob certainly has the track record behind him if someone wants to give him a shot.

They are making an "Avengers" movie. Who is John Steed? Who is Emma Peel? I used to love the Avengers when they came on CBC years and years ago.

The NFL draft goes Thursday. Reading all the mock drafts, the Seahawks could be taking a number of players at 25. I'm hoping its a quarterback, but that's what I said last year. For what its worth, the Panthers are crazy if they take Cam Newton at number one. I think he is marginally better than Tim Tebow, but he certainly isn't deserving of the number one pick. If the Panthers want a quarterback, I would suggest Missouri's Blaine Gabbert.

Thats all I got. Have a good Monday and enjoy the day off if you have an extended long weekend.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Four Stanley Cup playoff games, a couple of baseball games, some NBA playoff action and a Big Bang Theory marathon on the Comedy Network. It was just one of those days to get reacquainted with the couch. I did enjoy some of the outdoors yesterday, but really it was tough to pry myself off the couch. We all have to have one of those days once in a while don't we.

What is it with teams trying to clinch at home soiling the linen. Vancouver did it Friday and Pittsburgh and San Jose both did it yesterday. I could not believe the way Tampa just manhandled the Penguins. As for the Sharks and the Kings, Ray Ferraro put it the best when he said Quick stopped 51 shots while Niemi stopped one and that was the difference.

Its very evident in these playoffs that TSN is winning the war with CBC. HNIC has done nothing to freshen up their desk in these playoffs while TSN has brought in guys like Aaron Ward, Steve Staios and Jamie McLennan. I have found Ward to be a great addition. On the other hand, I am still wishing I could find a way to keep the game on without hearing the endless blatherings of Greg Millen. I find him to be worse than Pierre McGuire.

Thank you Carey Price and Tim Thomas for giving us the goaltending performance of the playoffs. That was great hockey last night. Its just another reason why I detest the shootout. Everyone had a chance to contribute, not just the skilled guys.

Wasn't Dwayne Roloson supposed to be at the end of the road when he was with the Oilers in their Stanley Cup run. That was how many years ago?

When can I start the "I want to see Josh Harding in Edmonton" campaign again? Speaking of which, I wonder how the former Pat goalie is doing after suffering a season ending knee injury.

I'm starting to think Curtis Hunt will be back with the Pats next year. The longer it takes for a decision to be made is good news for Huntsy.

Game 6 of the ANAVET Cup sounds like it was a beaut. La Ronge beat Portage 1-0 thanks to a first period goal by Aaron Enns. The Ice Wolves have been crippled thanks to some well placed (and might I add cheap) knees to key players Nolan Souchotte and Logan Herauf and they will have to give it their all and then some tonight to beat Portage in Portage in Game 7. A trip to the RBC in Camrose awaits the winner.

I didn't think Jose Bautista would come close to hitting 50 HR's this year. He already has 7 and he is doing it when no one else in the Toronto lineup is hitting. If Adam Lind, Travis Snider and the oft-injured Aaron Hill get their bats going look out.

There's nothing wrong with having rabbit stew for dinner tonight. My grandfather used to say that's what we were having for Easter supper when I was a youngster. My seven year old daughter reacts to that news the way I did when I heard that news. Speaking of which, its a good job the kids have a week off of school and its nice outside. With all of the chocolate she has received, she will need to spend a lot of time in the backyard running around.

When in La Ronge for the ANAVET Cup, the music man played some great tunes including Amanda Marshall's "Let it Rain". Whatever happened to Amanda Marshall....she had a great voice!

I don't know why, but I see the Riders making a trade involving an impact player before training camp.

That is all! Have a great Easter Sunday and a great "West"er Sunday as well to all my readers in SK, MB, BC and Alberta.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

The Notre Dame Hounds are Canada's midget female hockey champs. They beat the Edmonton Thunder in today's gold medal game by a score of 5-2. Jenny More had a pair of goals for the winners while Samantha Langford stopped 20 of 22 shots to record the victory.
For some members of the Hounds, they are on the right side this year after losing the final at the Co-Operators Centre to Thunder Bay last year.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

How ya feelin this morning Canuck fans? Is that collar a little tight? Are you a little grouchy? Do you have that sinking feeling? The Chicago Blackhawks fed the Canucks and Roberto Luongo their lunch again in Game 5 as they pummelled "The Coov" to all of a sudden make it a series as Game 6 is back in Chicago. I think we could be going 7. The question I have now is whether or not Luongo or Cory Schneider gets the start in goal. You would think the smart money is on Luongo even though he has been bad in the past two games, but Alain Vigneault must make a very important decision. I might decide to give this one to Schneider because if he fails, you can go back to Luongo in Game 7. If you go with Luongo and he soils the linen again, you throw a rookie into a Game 7 situation.
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I didn't think Boston deserved to be on the same ice as Montreal, but the Bruins found a way to get it done and now that series is tied at 2. Is the Habs magic over? I think that series will go 7.
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The Kings can sit back all summer and wonder what if they hadn't blown that 4-0 lead. San Jose came perilously close to losing a three goal lead, but they got their game back on track and polished off the Kings. That series likely ends in Game 5.
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Andrew Ference should be hit in the pocketbook for his one fingered salute to the Bell Centre crowd after scoring for the Bruins in Game 4. That should be it though. Current Habs defenceman James Wisniewski got two games earlier this year for delivering an obscene gesture when he was playing for the Islanders. If you suspend for a guy for giving the crowd the finger after not suspending some players or suspending them for just one game, you will prove your suspension formulas are way off base. Ference should be fined the maximum he can get, but that's it.
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What a difference 24 hours makes in the ANAVET Cup. The La Ronge Ice Wolves made Portage look bad on Wednesday in a 6-1 win to tie the series at two. However, the Wolves were just as bad Thursday as they were good on Wednesday in losing 6-3 to Portage. It means the Wolves have to win in Portage Saturday and Sunday to win the ANAVET and advance to the RBC. It won't be easy, but I think they have the better team so we'll see.
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That's about all I have so I'll just end it with a picture of Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco in a black bikini---which really shouldn't disappoint any of the male readers.

Ilya Bryzgalov, who looked horrible in the 3rd period of last night's season-ending loss to Detroit, isn't a big fan of Winnipeg. This is what he had to say after last night's game courtesy the Winnipeg Sun.

"You don't want to go to Winnipeg, right?" Bryzgalov said after the Coyotes lost to Detroit, Wednesday night. "Not many people live there, not many Russian people there. Plus it's cold. There's no excitement except the hockey. No park, no entertaining for the families, for the kids. It's going to be tough life for your family."

The 30-year-old Russian's knowledge of Winnipeg comes from a visit or two when he was with Cincinnati in the AHL.

"I've been there for just once, maybe twice, when I play in minors. It was really cold," Bryzgalov said. "I used the tunnels between the buildings to get to the arena. Because it was minus 40-something. Real cold."

And if he's going to put up with that, he'd rather be back home.

So if the Coyotes move to Winnipeg, Bryzgalov says chances are he wouldn't listen to a contract offer from the new owners.

"Probably not. I better go to somewhere in Russia, KHL, to be honest. Because KHL is Russian people, it's family, friends. Even as a cold place, I can speak to people in Russian language."

Richard Hart has retired from high-performance curling by announcing his departure from Team Glenn Howard, one of the most successful high-performance foursomes to ever play The Roaring Game.

The 2007 world champion and 1998 Olympic silver medallist had already taken a partial step back from the sport this past season, dropping his commitment to Team Howard’s World Curling Tour schedule by three tournaments. While not necessarily unexpected to some, his decision will nevertheless send shock waves throughout the sport.

Consistently ranked in the top three teams in the world – or pretty much the the top two alongside Alberta’s Kevin Martin – Team Howard has been a veritable curling machine for the past seven years. Heavily backed by sponsorship dollars and virtually unparalleled in their consistency of winning, the foursome are all charter members of the National Team program; they own and operate a profitable Fantasy Curling Camp; and they even have a professional video documentary set for release late in 2011 or early in 2012.

Patrick Kane's goal that gave the Blackhawks the Stanley Cup is one that was celebrated in the Windy City. However, it would seem as if Chicago sports fans are puzzled by the same thing that Canadian sports fans were puzzled about when Canada won Olympic gold thanks to Sidney Crosby's overtime winner.

No one knows what happened to the puck. ESPN's Steve Drehs is trying to find out and he's having mixed success. His story can be found here

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

A freaky runner whose unpredictability makes it difficult for CFL defences to contain him, B.C. Lions running back/kick returner Yonus Davis is on a wayward path of a different sort.

The 26-year-old from Oakland, Calif., selected as the most outstanding special teams player in the CFL’s West Division last season, is facing one count of possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute in a federal court in San Jose.

A pro rookie last season from San Jose State, the 5-7, 190-pound scatback was caught after Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents, posing as Federal Express personnel, nabbed Davis with a parcel containing approximately 67 pounds of ecstasy tablets. Ecstasy is an illegally-manufactured drug sold in tablet, capsule or powder form with hallucinogenic properties. Even occasional use of small amounts of ecstasy may damage brain cells.

Davis was arraigned in San Jose on April 13 and returned to federal court six days later for a detention hearing. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison in addition to a $1 million dollar fine.

The Lions issued a press release Wednesday afternoon, noting that Davis had been detained in California but offering no further details.

Lions head coach and general manager Wally Buono later told The Vancouver Sun that news of Davis’s possible legal troubles surfaced on the weekend, while team officials were running a free agent camp in Atlanta.

“I’m not even 100 per cent sure there have been charges,” Buono told The Sun. “Now, we’re trying to figure out what exactly is going on. We put it out there [press release] because we wanted people to know that there had been an incident. We could have said nothing. Then, all of a sudden, there is a bunch of speculation put out there on the grapevine.”

According to court documents obtained by The Sun, Davis was detained by DEA agents on April 9 after the suspect parcel was delivered to the address of Jane Davis, in Milpitas, Calif. Yonus Davis told DEA agents that he lived at the same address.

Agents also observed another man, identified as “Robert Jordon”, fleeing from the scene. It is not known whether the individual named “Jordon” is Robert Jordan, another Lions rookie last season who lost his starting job as the team’s main kick returner to Davis. “Jordon” was taken to the Milpitas police station and booked on state charges of evasion and delaying an investigation.

In a statement, Davis acknowledged that he was expecting a Federal Express parcel containing 40 “boats" of ecstasy. One “boat" is street slang for approximately 1,000 tablets. Davis said the ecstasy shipment of April 9 was the second he had received from a Haitian male, identified as “Red”, an individual Davis had met before in downtown Seattle.

A DEA search of Davis’s BMW 745i also found a large amount of U.S. currency in the amount of $7,000.

The player is being represented by an attorney from the federal public defender’s office in San Jose.

Before he knows more, Buono said it’s too early to say what Davis’s legal situation will mean to his football future in Canada.

“As a team, we want our American players to understand they’re subject to the immigration laws of Canada,” Buono said. “But this is something which has occurred in another jurisdiction, and we have no control over that. Once we know more, we’ll try and deal with it the best way we can.”

Though Davis didn’t make an appearance for the Lions until the fifth game of the 2010 season, he scored on an 88-yard return in his debut game, July 30 against the Edmonton Eskimos. He went on to finish as the West Division’s combined yards leader (1,642).

Davis was a finalist for the CFL’s year-end awards, finishing as the runner-up to Toronto’s Chad Owens in the outstanding special teams player category.

It’s been almost 20 years, but the wait is over for hockey fans on Vancouver Island. The WHL will return to the City of Victoria next season, the Western Hockey League and RG Properties Ltd. announced today.

The WHL Board of Governors has approved the sale of the WHL franchise in Chilliwack and its relocation to Victoria effective starting with the 2011-12 season. Graham Lee, whose company RG Properties developed, built and operates the 7,000-seat Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, has purchased the franchise and will move the WHL franchise to the B.C. capital for the start of next season.

“We are very excited to bring WHL hockey back to Victoria,” said Lee. “From the day we first got involved with this building over a decade ago, our goal has been to look at all opportunities that will bring excitement and entertainment to the city as well as providing economic benefits. Bringing a WHL team to Victoria exemplifies that commitment.”

“We are very pleased to be in a position to announce the WHL will be returning to the City of Victoria and Vancouver Island next season,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “Although any relocation is a difficult process, we know the Victoria market will be a great addition to the WHL.”

“The WHL is a part of Canadian hockey culture. The league is all about community, and our focus with the team is all about being a strong partner in the community,” said Dave Dakers, President of RG Sports and Entertainment. “Vancouver Island’s top young players will now have the chance to play at the highest level right here at home in front of a hometown crowd.”

“It is exciting to have a WHL team back in the Capital City. It is an opportunity to be part of building the future of hockey,” said Mayor of Victoria, Dean Fortin. “Our new team will greatly add to the diverse and family-friendly entertainment that makes our city great.”

The WHL is the premier junior hockey development league in the country and had more players drafted in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft than any other League in the world, with 43 players selected in all and seven selected in the first round.

The B.C. capital was home to a WHL franchise for 23 seasons from 1971 to 1994. During that period, Victoria’s WHL teams produced over 50 NHL players including well-known stars such as Geoff and Russ Courtnall, Grant Fuhr, Mel Bridgeman and Greg Adams, just to name a few. The WHL Victoria Cougars franchise was relocated to Prince George in 1994.

“It's going to be great to see local kids in WHL uniforms on the Island! I think we'll see bigger crowds, there is more of a local appetite for this brand of hockey. That should also give a boost to local businesses to get behind the team,” said John Tinker, President and Owner of Big Stake Ventures and Victoria Keg Steakhouses.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today they have signed import receivers Efrem Hill and Ernie Wheelwright to contracts. Financial details were not released.

“After our recent mini-camp in Florida, these two receivers warranted a future look, so we are excited to have the opportunity to bring them to training camp,” stated Roughrider General Manager Brendan Taman. “We fully expect them to push for a roster spot.”

Hill (6’1 – 185 lbs) spent the last two seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos. In five regular season games, the Samford product tallied 21 catches for 231 yards and one touchdown. Prior to signing as a free agent with the Eskimos in May, 2009, Hill spent two seasons with the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad. He had six receptions for 67 yards and one touchdown in pre-season action. He originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers in April, 2005. He spent majority of the season on the practice roster but was activated for the team’s final two regular season games and three playoff games.

Wheelwright (6’5 – 225 lbs) spent two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens after originally signing as an undrafted free agent in April, 2008. He was activated off the practice roster for three regular season games in his first season with Baltimore. Wheelwright played for the University of Minnesota Gophers and in 2007 had the second best pass-catching season in school history with 66 receptions for 775 yards and nine touchdowns in 12 starts.

I'm guessing the L-A Kings are a little choked today----and they should be. The Kings were up 4-0 in Game 3 against the Sharks and they gagged it away losing 5-4 in overtime. I don't know if Dustin Penner had a strip torn off of him by the coaching staff, but he should. This "weak" attempt at backchecking simply can't be tolerated in the playoffs---especially overtime.

And to think L-A gave up a first rounder for Penner. YIKES!!
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I took Chicago to beat Vancouver in the first round, but I'm not buying the fact that Vancouver has seen their game go the garbage bin after one Chicago win to make it 3-1 in the series. I will be surprised if this series goes back to Chicago.
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The La Ronge Ice Wolves showed everyone why they were the SJHL champs on Tuesday. They throttled Portage 6-3 in Game 3 of the ANAVET Cup. La Ronge trails the best of 7 2-1 with Game 4 tonight in La Ronge.
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Some of the naysayers in the project Mayor Fiacco announced yesterday are worried about parking saying its bad enough to park in downtown Regina. Yeah, downtown parking is an issue, but where does one park when going to a hockey game at Air Canada Centre, the Bell Centre or BC Place.
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The Seahawks got a Monday night game and they get it against the Rams. Why these two teams get a prime time game against one another after their display of football in the last weekend of the regular season against one another baffles me, but I'll take it.
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If Springfield (the home of the Simpsons) ever gets an NHL franchise, three players that must play on the team are Pittsburgh's Ben Lovejoy and the Carolina duo of Jeff Skinner and Mike McBain.
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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

In my books, Regina mayor Pat Fiacco (who I already think highly of) deserves every accolade that gets heaped upon him for what he announced today. Its something that will be of tremendous benefit for many different sectors and its a vision that makes you feel good about being a Reginan. Here is the Leader-Post story. If you haven't seen it already, check out the video that you can find on that page.

Monday, April 18, 2011

--Raffi Torres will be dropping the gloves in Game 4 against the Hawks tonight and maybe more than once. If something else happens, the blame falls on Colin Campbell.

--How can Jarrett Stoll get one game for his hit on Ian White and Torres not get anything?

--I haven't seen it so I can't comment, but Steve Downie apparently smoked a Pittsburgh defenceman behind the net in Game 3. I'm guessing Downie will not be suspended for this. I'm also hearing Chris Kunitz had a vicious headshot tonight at a Tampa forward. What will happen here and how can the NHL be serious if it does anything after not doing anything to Raffi-boy. Say what you will about the play, Torres was not playing the puck, all he wanted to do was inflict some pain on Seabrook which he did. At the minimum, that's interference.

--I wonder what Sidney Crosby thinks after he sees the Torres-Seabrook incident and the lack of punishment.

--Every playoff team got at least one vote for winning the Stanley Cup in my poll question. That means either parity is alive or there's a cross-section of all NHL fans and the teams they cheer for reading this blog.

--Congrats to Jordan Weal for signing an entry-level deal with the LA Kings. Enjoy him for one more season Pats fans.

--Roger Currie to the rescue. The CKRM morning news maven informed me via e-mail Sunday (forgot about this yesterday so sorry Roger) what the Gil Morgan reference in those Boston Pizza ads are. Here it is...

Gilmer Bryan Morgan II, OD (born September 25, 1946) is an American professional golfer.Although he won only seven events on the PGA Tour between 1977 and 1990 and didn't win a major until the Senior Tour, he was one of the most consistent top five finishers on the Tour during this period. His swing was often criticized for his "flying elbow" which some thought resembled a chicken wing--thus the reference in the ad. Thanks Roger!

--A tweet from Global TV's Tom Vernon. If the Coyotes go back to Winnipeg, can they take Nikolai Khabibulin back? I agree!

--Those who desire a new football facility for Regina will be in a happy mood later today methinks.

--Someone heard my cries. Taco Time is opening a store in East Regina.

--Derek "Duke" Meyers will be hosting the Sportscage for the rest of the week since Rod is off to Vegas. Just so you know and you don't ask, I would be doing the shows, but I am off to La Ronge today for Games 3, 4 and maybe 5 of the ANAVET Cup.

--With La Ronge winning the championship this year, can I just to make the travel budget a little easier request a Notre Dame victory next year?

--I cheer for the Oilers, Seahawks, Cubs, Michigan and of course the Riders and can be seen wearing their logos no matter the teams record at all times of year. With that, I ask then why it is that I'm seeing so many more people wearing Habs items since oh I don't know----last year!!!! CMON. Wear the colours all year long and don't wait until there is playoff success. It makes you look bad. That being said, wait until the Leafs win a playoff game.

--I don't know where the WWE is taking the Michael Cole-Jerry Lawler storyline, but whenever it ends, they are setting up Cole for one of the most anticipated beatings of all time. The sad thing is I don't think it ends at the next PPV.

--While I watched it, there was something wrong with the Blue Jays being on at 9 AM Monday morning.

--While taking Carl Crawford in a baseball draft has so far proved to be disastrous, taking Tim Lincecum with my 2nd round pick has more than made up for it.

The NHL has deemed there will be no suspension for Vancouver Canucks forward Raffi Torres after his hit on Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Brent Seabrook on Sunday.

The incident occurred behind the Blackhawks' goal midway through the second period. Torres caught Seabrook with a shoulder-to-head hit that caused concern that it was a blindside hit.

NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell issued the following statement after reviewing the hit by Torres that resulted in a minor penalty for interference at 12:14 of the second period:

"When Rule 48 (Illegal Check to the Head) was unanimously adopted by the General Managers in March 2010, there was no intention to make this type of shoulder hit to the head illegal. In fact, at that time, we distributed a video to all players and teams that showed a similar hit on a defenseman by an attacking forward coming from the opposite direction behind the net and stated that this is a 'legal play'.

"This hit meets none of the criteria that would subject Torres to supplemental discipline, including an application of Rule 48: He did not charge his opponent or leave his feet to deliver this check. He did not deliver an elbow or extended forearm and this hit was not 'late'

Seabrook appeared woozy, but he didn't miss any significant time in the game. Torres was given a two-minute interference penalty on the play.

Seabrook remarked that he didn't see Torres coming. Chicago defenceman Duncan Keith called the hit a cheap shot, while most of the Canucks viewed the incident as a player who was caught with his head down.

While Torres has yet to comment on the play, Seabrook was disappointed that Torres was not suspended.

"That hit deserves a suspension," he said. "If I've got the puck, I'm fair game. I'm upset he hit my head and that was the first point of contact. When you have the puck you're fair game. If he stays on the ice and drives his shoulder through my chest, that's fine.

"I don't think he was trying to hit me in the head, but if the league isn't going to suspend that I don't understand."

Torres was playing his first game after serving a four-game suspension for a hit on Edmonton Oilers rookie Jordan Eberle during the third-last game of the regular season.

Vancouver won the game 3-2 to move within a game of clinching the first-round playoff series.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

The debate is on full swing. Was this hit Raffi Torres delivered to Brent Seabrook last night a clean one or not?

It looks to me as if Torres (who is starting to get that Matt Cooke-like reputation) catches Seabrook napping, but it also looks as if he brings that elbow towards the head. Remember, this is a guy just getting back into the lineup after a controversial head-shot to Jordan Eberle. Will the NHL deem this hit to be suspension-worthy. The Canucks feel it was clean, yet I think if this had been Alex Edler, Sami Salo or Dan Hamhuis on the receiving end that Alain Vigneault would be screaming for justice to be done. This one will be interesting. What isn't interesting anymore is this series. Vancouver has proven they can exorcise the ghosts in their closet from the past two years and it wouldn't surprise me to see this series end in four. Am I still sold on Vancouver? Nope! When the pressure is on, will Roberto Luongo make the save or saves that he has to. I don't know.
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While I'm still guessing they will win the series, it is always great to see the petulant one---one Kobe Bryant go down to defeat. I don't think there is any athlete in the game I don't like more than Bryant. His get me some players or trade me attitude from a couple of years ago really got under my skin. That and the fact that as far as I'm concerned, there isn't a lot separating him from Ben Roethlisberger when it comes to the class scale. The New Orleans Hornets beat the Lakers in LA in Game 1 of their best of 7. As I said, I'm sure the Lakers will win this series and they may win it all, but its always great seeing Kobe on the short end.
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The Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons makes a great point. In the NBA, Detroit and Chicago are in the Eastern Conference, but in the NHL, they are in the Western Conference.
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Who saw a Kootenay-Medicine Hat WHL East final at the start of the playoffs. I didn't.
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Now that Chunky Adams has been signed by the Eskimos, I have the number of players/coaches that used to be employed by the Riders at 10.( Kavis Reed, Marcus Crandell, Chunky, Joe Sykes, Mike Stadnyk, Keys (can't remember his first name--the guy Riders gave up in the Tristan Jackson deal), Joel Lipinski, Louie Sakoda and Jamie Boreham and Donovan Alexander. Am I missing anyone?
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I'm still not worried about an NFL strike and won't be until we hit July 1.
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If you are an Oilers fan, what should the team do with its first draft pick overall. I'm really starting to lean on trading the pick for an offensive defenceman, a gritty forward and either a high prospect or a high pick (perhaps a first). Edmonton already has LA's first round pick in the Penner deal so they can get another skilled forward there. Do you take that thought or do you take a Nugent-Hopkins or a Landeskog and then take the d-man with LA's pick. I haven't seen enough of Adam Larsson to make a decision on him.
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When will man make a cologne that is made up of bacon grease, Jack Daniels, metal and gym sweat. Oh wait, that's the scent inside of John Daly's trailer!
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Have a good Monday!

The headline in this morning's Boston Globe perhaps says it best. "Bumble B's"! I'm not saying the Boston Bruins are playing bad, but I drove past a Boston Pizza this morning and its now a Montreal Pizza. (After originally making that comment up and posting it on my Twitter page, I was informed by Jamie Nye that Quebec outlets of the restaurant have already done this for this series which was something I didn't know).

What has happened to the once-mighty Bruins who now look like the Winnie the Poohs that once adorned their hideous third jerseys. They are done. This team that dominated Montreal and should have in the playoffs will fade into the night unless they turn it around and turn it around in a big hurry. 6 straight playoff losses from a team that was 60 minutes away from being in the Cup final last year. I'm thinking the Bruins could be dismantled somewhat if they go away quietly.

If Zdeno Chara has been felled by the same bug that hit me this week, you won't be seeing anything of the big guy for a few days.

Just in case you forgot about what the San Jose Sharks are famous at doing come playoff time, they issued you a stern reminder last night. Were the Sharks more concerned about the start of the NBA playoffs? Believe it or not, they were actually worse than the Bruins. Thank you to James Duthie for pointing out no King has had a playoff hat-trick since Wayne Gretzky in 1993 in Game 7 against the Leafs. I'm thinking more Toronto fans knew that than LA fans.

I wish all hockey could be played like the first period of the Buffalo-Philly game yesterday. That was hockey!

If the Coyotes move back to Winnipeg, wouldn't it be ironic if the last game in Phoenix was a playoff defeat at the hands of the Wings. That's how it ended in Winnipeg.

I'm starting to wonder if the Yorkton Terriers simply took too much out of the La Ronge Ice Wolves in the SJHL final. It sounds as if the Ice Wolves just can't keep up to what is a more rested Portage Terriers team in the ANAVET Cup final as the Manitoba champs are up 2-0 after a pair of wins on home ice. I don't think Yorkton would have been any better if the truth be known. La Ronge needs to get back into it on home ice Tuesday.

The great thing about Twitter is you can be with good friends talking about the game or whatever else and make it as if you're sitting at the sports bar of choice throwing back some cold ones. It was like that yesterday during the SC playoffs as I was involved in good conversations with good friends from Edmonton, Grande Prairie and Regina.

Marcus Adams is back in the CFL. Three guesses as to where the former Rider d-lineman is now and the first two don't count. Yes, Eric Tillman has snapped him up and he is with the Eskimos. I feel like the Riders have become that relative of yours that has kids a couple of years older than you and they save their clothes for you so that you don't have to go out and buy new stuff. The only question I have is what took Eric so long?

UPDATE: Chunky twittered this this morning "Thanks everybody but I have not signed a contract yet I will let u know when I do officially sign

Saskatchewan's so-called sexiest blogger is craving a maple bacon sundae from Denny's and is going to try one tonight. He has invited a gang of his cohorts to join him. I will pass! Bacon and ice cream---no thanks!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

This is something that has bothered me for a while, but I've just never blogged about it until my memory was refreshed while watching the first three nights of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Why is it anthem singers must employ some kind of schtick after or during the anthem.

First, you have the idiot opera singer in Vancouver (Too bad it wasn;t Adam Sandler) who has the crowd sing half of the anthem. Yes, I know Paul Lorieau did that in Edmonton during the Oilers Cup run a few years ago and I hated it then too, Then you have the guy in Boston and in Washington who both give the fist pumps after they are done. Add that to the guy in Ottawa who is decked out in his Ontario provincial police uniform who has to make sure he winks into the camera and the actions of some others that just make me go "SING THE SONG".

At least I know Karen Newman will do it right when she sings "The Star Spangled Banner"prior to this afternoon's Phoenix-Detroit game. She knows how to belt out the anthem properly as does Wayne Messmer in Chicago. Some of the others that I have mentioned need to take a lesson from these two.
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Canada's team in these Stanley Cup playoffs are------------the San Jose Sharks. They have 18 Canadian born players on their playoff roster (that includes healthy scratches) to lead the way amongst the 16 teams battling it out for the Cup. In comparison, Vancouver has 14 and Montreal 13. GO SHARKS!!
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We have seen 5 shutouts in the first three days of the playoffs. I have to wonder what the NHL thinks about this when they stress more wide open offensive hockey. I don't have a problem when a goalie blocks somewhere in the 30's for shots for a shutout, but I just wonder if in the back of the minds of some in the NHL if there is a thought of finding some way to create more scoring.
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If you've been watching the playoffs, and I'm guessing you have, you have seen the Boston Pizza ad where the wing connoisseur is rating the wing that he has in his posession. He talks about a Gil Morgan. What the h-e double hockeysticks is a Gil Morgan?
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Wasn't it just f**in peachy to wake up this morning, look outside and see it looking like mid-January with all the snow. I'm starting to wonder if we'll be golfing by mid-May. This winter just won't end. I just hope this means we don't see snow till December, but I'm thinking that wish won't be answered. I'm also guessing this latest bit of white stuff won't ease the flooding concerns any. Speaking of which, do you think organizers of the jamboree in Craven are glad they don't do their thing on May long weekend. Have you seen the pictures of the jamboree site? My buddy Tim Purvis has a girls of Craven calendar that will be sold on the grounds this year,.....if this keeps up, he may have to do a reshoot with the girls wearing scuba equipment.
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Colorado Rockies pitcher Jhoulys Chacin threw a complete game 5-0 victory over the Cubs last night. Chacin is the brother of former Jays pitcher Gustavo Chacin. Whatever happened to Gustavo Chacin?
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The Blue Jays beat the Red Sox last night meaning Boston is the first team to hit the 10 loss mark this year. Who would have thought that two weeks ago?
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Taking Cindy Crawford in a baseball draft would have been better than taking Carl Crawford. He's been a bust through the first two weeks.
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Gregg Drinnan will have everyone around here talking with his latest blog posting. Gregg--who say what you will about him has some great hockey contacts, says the whole Coyotes back to Winnipeg story could end up involving Regina with the Moose moving here and the Pats to Chilliwack because of the ongoing lease problems between Evraz Place and the Parkers. I want to say this could not happen, but when I look at it, I say why couldn't it. Is the Brandt Centre big enough for an American Hockey League franchise? Would Regina hockey fans support a semi-pro team after years and years and years of junior hockey. Losing the Pats would create a tremendous hole in this community and I don't know if the American Hockey League would fill the void or not.
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Scott Schultz just makes good radio. Friday Sportscages are a must listen to thanks to the old 96er. There are some out there that beliave Schultz brings down "the number two sports show in Saskatchewan", but those that think that simply need to go to Walmart or go on-line to buy a clue.
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I've been battling a big-time bug over the last couple of days. As I laid in bed with a fever watching the Canucks-Hawks game last night, my seven year old daughter comes into the bedroom moments after going to bed.

ANNIKA: You need him more than me and maybe he will make you feel better in the morning.

ME: What are you going to sleep with?

ANNIKA: I have my other Care Bears and they say Funshine should sleep with you,

You just can't argue with that can you?
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Memo to Mike Weir. Here's a reason to hang up the clubs. You missed the cut at the Texas Open after shooting a two day total of 162. Kevin Na had a two day total of 160 and that included a 16 on one hole. You couldn't beat a guy that shot a 16 on one hole. Give it up Mike. Call it a day!
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I love how, in scary movies, the person yells out, "Hello?" As if the bad guy is gonna be like, "Yeah, I'm in the kitchen! Want a sandwich?"

Friday, April 15, 2011

Is there a more combustible coach-reporter relationship than the one John Tortorella of the Rangers has with Larry Brooks of the New York Post? The two went at it again today just hours before Game 2 of the Washington-Rangers series. Here ya go!

The Canadian Football League’s Board of Governors has approved four significant rule changes as recommended by the Rules Committee, the CFL announced today.

The rule changes include expanding the use of instant replay on game changing plays, eliminating blocking below the waist after a completed pass, punting out of bounds and illegal participation.

“Each off-season the Rules Committee is tasked to look for ways to make our game more exciting, more competitive and safer,” said CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon, who is also the Chair of the CFL’s Rules Committee. “We feel these four rule changes help address all of those areas and improve an already great game.”

Here is how the use of instant replay will be expanded for the 2011 season:

•When a quarterback drops back to pass, is hit and the ball comes out, and the play is ruled an incomplete pass, the defensive team can challenge the call. The new rule allows the Command Centre be allowed to overturn the call on the field, declare the play a fumble, and award possession to the defensive team if the ball had been recovered immediately. In prior seasons, the Command Centre could only review whether the play constituted an incomplete pass or a fumble, but it could not award possession.
•When an on-field official rules an incomplete pass, the offensive team can challenge the ruling, hoping to have the Command Centre rule it a completed pass. Under the new explanded use of instant replay, a defensive team that believes the ball was caught, and then fumbled, can also challenge the on-field ruling. And the Command Centre could award the defensive team possession of the ball if it decides it was indeed caught, then fumbled, and then recovered immediately. In prior seasons, the Command Centre could only rule if the pass was complete or incomplete; it could not award possession.
In both of these instances, the defensive team would be awarded the ball where it is recovered. The Command Centre could not award return yards after the recovery.

Here is a look at the three other rules that will be changed for the upcoming season:

Eliminating Blocking Below the Waist after a Completed Pass:

To promote player safety, only blocking above the defender’s waist will be allowed following a completed pass across the line of scrimmage. Blocking below the waist on such a play would result in a 10 yard penalty. Blocking below the waist had previously been eliminated on kick returns, interception returns, and fumble returns. It would still be allowed on running plays and passes completed behind the line of scrimmage.

Punting Out of Bounds:

When a punt goes out of bounds in flight in between the 20 yard lines, the receiving team should have the option of taking the ball where it went out of bounds plus a ten yard penalty against the kicking team, or requiring the kicking team to re-kick ten yards back from the original line of scrimmage. Currently, the receiving team can either take the ball where it went out of bounds or require a re-kick ten yards back.

Illegal Participation:

If a player is pushed out of bounds by an opponent, he can return to the field of play and make a play. If he goes out of bounds on his own, or is bumped out of bounds by a teammate, he cannot legally participate in the play. This clarifies the previous version of the rule, which does not specify bodily contact from an opponent.

The CFL Rules Committee is made up of head coaches, general managers, team presidents, league officials and a representative of the CFL Players’ Association.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Team Canada added some young goal-scoring talent to its roster for the World Championship on Wednesday, confirming that New York Islanders sophomore John Tavares, Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle, New Jersey Devils centre Travis Zajac and Carolina Hurricanes rookie Jeff Skinner will make the trip to Slovakia.

Edmonton Oilers goalie Devan Dubnyk also accepted an invitation to play for Canada.

Tavares scored 29 goals and 38 assists in 79 games during his second season with the Islanders. The 20-year-old also played for Canada at last spring's Worlds, and scored seven goals in seven games.

20-year-old Eberle, who was also a member of last year's Canadian team, had 18 goals and 43 points in 69 games this season.

Zajac, 25, appeared in all 82 games with the Devils this season and had 13 goals and 44 points.

Skinner, 18, had a strong first season with the Hurricanes, scoring 31 goals and 32 assists in 82 games. The tournament will be Skinner's first event in a Team Canada uniform.

Dubnyk, 24, player 35 games for the Oilers this season with 12-13-8 record and a 2.71 GAA. He was on Canada's roster for the Worlds last year but did not appear in any games.

La Ronge Ice Wolves captain Nolan Souchotte accepts the Credit Union Cup as the defending champs take home the title again ending what was a thoroughably enjoyable final series with a 3-1 win over the Yorkton Terriers.

I'm sure it was a quiet bus ride home for the Terriers who had to wonder if their fate would have been different had it not been for the opening two minutes. Brant Remenda was crushed into the end boards by a La Ronge forward right after the opening faceoff and seconds later, Logan Herauf put one past Devin Peters for a 1-0 lead sending the 1300 ( I think there were more) into a frenzy as fish were flying everywhere. Co-playoff MVP Dayton Fossum then wired one past Peters on a power play just two and a half minutes in and the Wolves had control. Robbie Ciolfi scored to get Yorkton back to within one, but Travis Eggum restored the lead in the 2nd and from there co-MVP goalie Adam Bartko shut the door for the win as the Wolves get the Cup and the picture that all teams want to take

Its always great to see a team celebrate a title until you look the other way and see the pain and dejection on the other team---a team that worked their ass off for seven games. I said going into this matchup that there wasn't much separating the two teams and I leave saying there isn't much as well. Congratulations to Bob Beatty and the Ice Wolves (Is Beatty-mania alive and well in La R this afternoon) and congratulations to Trent Cassan and the Terriers as well for providing Saskatchewan hockey viewers on Access with just a tremendous final and showcase how great the SJHL is.

A tip of the hat to Access as well. They did a tremendous job to bring the games live into your living room. Mike Stackhouse and Jay Boyd were outstanding behind the mike and both crews in Yorkton and La Ronge were top notch. I still say they need a better intermission host, but they can look for that next year.

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The NHL draft lottery is skewed. The New Jersey Devils win the lottery, but they don't pick first? That is dumb. There are only so many balls in there that can fall New Jersey's way so if the ball that comes through the chute is theirs, it should be them that picks number one with Edmonton picking two and everyone being knocked down one. Remember, this comes from an Oilers fan.

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What the hell has happened to the Saskatoon Blades? This will not go over well in Saskatoon as it would appear barring a miracle as if they will be knocked off in the 2nd round by Kootenay who now have a 3-0 lead. It brings up this question. What is Lorne Molleken's playoff record? Lorne is a tremendous coach, but he has had problems in the playoffs and that may be the only stain on his legacy.

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Have you listened to TSN Radio yet? If you haven't, maybe it will be coming here soon. You can go to TSN.ca to listen.

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The quest for hockey's holy grail begins tonight. The Stanley Cup playoffs start in just a couple of hours. Here are Scruffy's picks....

Washington over the Rangers in 6

Philly over Buffalo in 7 (not too certain of this one)

Boston over Montreal in 5

Tampa over Pittsburgh in 6

Chicago over Vancouver in 6 (that's right Vancouver fans)

San Jose over LA in 7

Detroit over Phoenix in 6

Anaheim over Nashville in 6

My SC final prediction----Bruins over Ducks

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Carlos Delgado has retired. Where does he go down in the list of greatest ever Blue Jays. Is he a top 10 guy? I don't think so.

About Me

This is mainly a Regina sports blog, but you will get information and thoughts from me on a number of topics some that aren't even sports related. You can see me on Access 7 in Regina co-hosting a local one hour sports program called Locker Talk highlighting Regina sports. You can hear me reading afternoon news and sports on 620 CKRM in Regina along with co-hosting "Sportscage" on same station from time to time. I'm also a part of Sask Roughriders broadcast on CKRM and I write feature articles for the Riders on their website Riderville.com.